The Uprising (2026)

The Uprising: A Gritty Reckoning

Paul Greengrass brings his signature handheld urgency to The Uprising, a 128‑minute dramatization of the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt. The film opens with a plague‑ravaged countryside, establishing a palpable sense of desperation that fuels the rebellion. Greengrass’s direction leans heavily on kinetic battle sequences and tight close‑ups, which convey the chaos of medieval combat but occasionally sacrifice narrative clarity for visceral impact.

Performances

Andrew Garfield anchors the ensemble as the unnamed Ploughman, delivering a restrained, physically demanding portrayal that communicates exhaustion and resolve without grand speeches. Jamie Bell’s John Ball adds intellectual fire, while Cosmo Jarvis injects raw charisma as Wat Tyler. Tom Hollander and Stephen Dillane embody the entrenched aristocracy with chilling composure, and Woody Norman’s boy‑king Richard II is both vulnerable and imperious. The cast’s chemistry elevates the material, though some supporting roles feel under‑written.

Story and Pacing

The screenplay, also by Greengrass, follows the historical arc faithfully: tax oppression, a charismatic preacher, a march on London, and the climactic confrontation at Smithfield. The first half builds tension effectively, but the middle act drags under repetitive council scenes that dilute momentum. The final clash is staged with brutal realism, yet the film’s refusal to explore the revolt’s aftermath leaves thematic threads unresolved.

Who Will Enjoy It

Viewers who appreciate gritty, director‑driven historical action — think Greengrass’s own Bloody Sunday or Kingdom of Heaven — will find much to admire. Audiences seeking a tidy moral resolution or deep character backstories may feel short‑changed. The R rating reflects graphic violence and harsh language, so it is not suited for younger viewers.